Altafini: Napoli more affected by injuries than Juventus, watch out for two players

Former Napoli and Juventus striker José Altafini feels the Partenopei are more affected by injuries than the Bianconeri and names Rasmus Hojlund and Francisco Conceiçao as the potential key players in Sunday’s meeting at the Stadio Maradona.

Antonio Conte’s Napoli will host Juventus in the big match of Serie A Round 14 on Sunday.

Both sides have been dealing with many injuries this season, and several key players will miss the Stadio Maradona’s showdown this weekend.

The Partenopei have just two central midfielders available in Eljif Elmas and Scott McTominay, as Kevin De Bruyne, Zambo Anguissa, Stanislav Lobotka and Billy Gilmour have been ruled out for several months.

Juventus, on the other hand, are without Gleison Bremer, Federico Gatti and Daniele Rugani in defence and Dusan Vlahovic in attack. The latter underwent surgery on Thursday and won’t return to action until March 2026.

Altafini, a former striker for Juve and Napoli, said the Partenopei would be more affected by injuries on Sunday.

“Napoli have lost the entire midfield, but Juventus are without Vlahovic, so they have to do without a major attacking focal point, someone who makes the whole department work,” Altafini told Gazzetta.

“Still, if you take all those players away from a coach, as is happening to Conte, it’s a bit annoying. More than a bit, actually.”

So, who will be the key players at the Maradona on Sunday?

“If Anguissa were available for Napoli, I’d have no doubts. He’s got everything you need to make you fall in love with him. Pace, physique, intelligence and even a sense for the goal,” Altafini noted.

“Therefore, I’ll go with Hojlund, who hasn’t scored in months, but can decide a big match. For Juventus, I’d pick Conceiçao, with those bursts that hurt you and his ability to create superiority.”

Sunday’s match will be the first competitive meeting between Conte and Luciano Spalletti.

“Conte’s results speak for themselves. He’s won everywhere he’s gone and, aside from a few disappointments, he has always managed to win the league title. First or second place,” said Altafini.

“Spalletti brought the title back to Naples after 33 years, no small feat. I like the way he’s working at Juventus; it wasn’t easy.

“I think Napoli and Inter are ahead of the others in the Serie A title race,” concluded the former striker.

“I don’t know if one or the other has something extra; the difference is minimal. But at this stage of the season, with all these absences, the balance can shift in terms of points, and points always matter. I still believe it will remain a duel between Conte and Chivu, with the others, Milan, Roma and Juventus, slightly behind.”